Planning, development and building
Before you apply
Use this page to help guide you through submitting a complete application. We will explain when you need a permit, what permits you need, what your application requirements are and go over some common rules relating to your project.
Do you need a permit?
Yes. Backyard suites, also known as garden suites, carriage houses and laneway houses always require permits. To build a backyard suite, you will need:
- a Development permit
- a Building permit
- a separate electrical permit is required to be pulled by an electrical contractor to hook up the service to the suite. A homeowner’s permit can then be pulled for the wiring of the suite
- a separate plumbing permit for all plumbing installations
- a separate mechanical permit is required to be pulled by a licenced HVAC contractor
- a separate gas permit is required to be pulled by a licenced gas fitter if there will be any gas appliances in the suite
Planning approval (Development permit)
Backyard Suites always require planning approval (Development Permit) prior to applying for your other permits.
Building safety approval is to make sure that the structure meets building safety requirements. Review the construction (Building Code information) section of this page for more information.
Building safety approval (Building permit)
Building safety approval (building permit)
Building safety approval is to make sure that the structure meets building safety requirements. Review the construction (building code information) section of this page for more information.
Electrical permit
You need a separate electrical permit for all electrical installations and renovations.
- If you are doing the work yourself, you may be eligible for a homeowners electrical permit. Review the electrical wiring section of homeowner electrical and plumbing permits for more information.
- If you are hiring someone to do the work for you, they will need to apply for the permit. Visit our hiring a contractor page for more information.
- If you are a contractor, visit our trade permit contractor page for more information.
Plumbing permit
A separate plumbing permit is required for all new plumbing installations, as well as when extending or altering any existing plumbing systems.
For more information about what type of electrical work a homeowner may obtain a permit for, review the homeowners permits eligibility and plumbing permit sections.
For information for contractors, visit the trade permit contractor information page.
What is a secondary suite?
A self-contained residence with two or more rooms and includes a kitchen, living, sleeping and sanitary facilities.
All suites must have:
- Bedrooms with proper egress windows
- A separate bathroom
- Separate cooking facilities
- An entrance that is accessible from outside without passing through the main dwelling unit. A shared stairwell is acceptable, but each unit must have a private entrance.
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Developing a Safe and Legal Backyard Suite
February 15, 2023Watch our recorded Q&A on everything you need to know about developing a safe and legal backyard suite.
Hear from Development, Business & Building Services they discuss permits, fees, and how to make your suite legal and safe.
How much will it cost?
Building safety approval
| Building safety approval - Building permit | Fee schedule | Permit fee | Safety codes council fee (4%) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New backyard suite | $1252 | $50.08 | $1302.08 | |
| Suite registry | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Trade permit fees
| Trade permits | Fee schedule | Permit fee | Safety codes council fee (4%) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homeowner electrical permit | $112 | $4.50 | $116.50 | |
| Homeowner plumbing permit | $112 | $4.50 | $116.50 | |
| Contractor trade permit | - | - |
Planning approval
| Planning approval - development permit (if applicable) | Fee schedule | Permit fee | Advertising fee | Development completion inspection | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New backyard suite development permit | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
How do you pay for a permit?
Online submissions
For online submissions you will pay your permit fees in full at the time of your application using a credit card
In person submissions
You will be required to pay in full at the time of your application. You may pay by credit or debit card, cheque or cash.
How long will it take to get a permit?
Timelines indicated are not a guarantee and depend on volumes, application completeness, and the applicant’s timely replies to additional information requests from the City.
Tip: To avoid delays in processing your application, make sure your application includes all the required documents, plans and information listed on the checklist below.
See the tips for a smooth application for details on submitting a complete application.
Timeline
Timelines indicated are not a guarantee and depend on volumes, completeness of applications and timeliness of applicant replies when responding to requests from the City.
| Building safety approval - building permit | Our process | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
|
Build a backyard suite |
Application is reviewed for bylaw and safety codes compliance |
Approximately 7 days |
Planning approval timelines
| Planning approval - development permit (if applicable) | Our process | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
|
Build a backyard suite |
|
10 - 12 weeks |
Review our Development permit process page for more information about the planning approval process. |
When does your permit expire?
You will receive a permit expiry reminder in the mail. If you need more time, you can extend your permit. Review the extend or reinstate your permit section.
| Permit type | Expiry (from date of issuance) |
|---|---|
| Building permit | 180 days |
| Contractor trade permit | 330 days |
| Homeowner permit | 330 days |
| Development permit |
Your permit conditions will outline your commencement date. Commencement date is the day you must start construction by for the development permit to be valid. If you do not start construction by that date, you can request an extension of commencement. |
Do you need to hire a professional?
If you are hiring someone to do the work for you, they will need to apply for the permit. Visit our hiring a contractor page to review the 5 steps to choosing a contractor.
Professional architects or engineers
An architect or professional engineer may be required to design and inspect your project. Refer to the current National Building Code – Alberta Edition, Division C, Section 2.4.2 or a consultant to determine if professional involvement is required. Where professional involvement is required, plans or documents must be stamped by the corresponding professional(s).
If your project requires engineer’s review, then a seal of professional engineer registered to practice in the province of Alberta for the proposed design should be provided. The engineer should be registered with APEGA- The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta. Please visit APEGA website for professional engineer’s stamp authentication requirements.
What are the rules when designing your project?
The following information will help you prepare your building permit application, and make sure it meets the City’s requirements.
Where are you building?
Review the Backyard Suites How-to Guide for best practices when designing your backyard suite so that it meets the rules of the Land Use Bylaw
General suite rules
Number of suites on a property
- There can only be one secondary suite within each dwelling unit.
- A backyard suite and a secondary suite cannot be located on the same property
- You must indicate on your plans:
- The location of the amenity space for the suite
- The location and size of parking being provided for the suite
If you have questions or need clarification on the Land Use Bylaw rules, or have general permit questions, please contact the Planning Services Centre.
Construction information (Building code) to consider when designing your building
The current National Building Code – Alberta Edition identifies safety considerations that must be in place in any backyard suite.
Separation of suites
Preventing the spread of smoke and fire is essential for safety. The Building Code requires the installation of a smoke tight separation between the any common spaces and the suite. If the backyard suite is located above or attached to the garage, then there must be fire separation between the suite and the garage, this includes walls, floors and supporting structure.
- If the garage serves both the residents of the main dwelling unit and the backyard suite it requires a minimum of 1 hour fire resistance rating
- The code states that when a floor needs to be fire rated, then the structure supporting that floor also needs to be rated to that same level as the floor. This means that any structure supporting the suite above the garage needs to be also have a minimum 1hour fire resistance rating.
- Doors between any part of the garage and any portion of the backyard suite or mechanical room must also be fire rated. Doors must be self-closing, have weather stripping and be a minimum of 45 minutes fire resistance rating.
Can you build on your existing garage?
No, a backyard suite will require a foundation like a home, with footings extending to below the frostline (4 feet deep or greater). A backyard suite built on an existing garage would only be allowed if an engineered has reviewed and approved the existing structure.
How far does your backyard suite need to be from your house?
When planning for a backyard suite, you need to make sure that there is enough space between the house and the backyard suite for fire safety. The number of windows on the side of the house facing the backyard suite - the exposed building face - will determine how far away your backyard suite can be from the house as well as how much glazing (i.e. windows) can be on the backyard suite’s exposed building face.
When submitting your development and building permit applications, you will need to provide an elevation of the exposed building face of the existing house (the side facing the backyard suite) for review.
Here are some tips to help you understand how the distance between your house and backyard suite effects how much glazing can be on the exposed building face of the backyard suite:
- Draw a line representing an imaginary property line between the house and the backyard suite. Generally, this imaginary property line is determined by calculating how much glazing is on the exposed building face of the existing house and determining the minimum distance is for that percentage of glazing.
- You can then use this imaginary property line to find the limiting distance for the exposed building face of the backyard suite
- The limiting distance determines the maximum number of openings (such as windows) and the wall construction required for the exposed building face of the backyard suite.
- The greater the limiting distance, the more windows you can have in walls that faces the house.
Sound transmission class (STC) requirements
Separations between the garage and the backyard suite must be soundproof. The assembly between the garage and the suite, as well as the supporting structure of the suite, must have a STC rating of a minimum of 50 and conform to Article 9.11.1.4.
- Refer to the Fire and Sound Resistance tables in the National Building Code – Alberta Edition (tables 9.10.3.1.-A or 9.10.3.1.-B) and follow the construction details for an assembly listed in those tables that provides both the required fire resistance rating and the required sound transmission class rating
- You will need to provide the details of those assemblies on the drawings submitted with your building permit application.
- In this case it will be up to the builder to construct adjoining assemblies in accordance with those determined in the design. Our team will review the components of the assemblies shown on the plans to the extent possible to assess compliance to Article 9.11.1.4. during the plan examination stage and during the normal course of inspection.
- See Administration of Apparent Sound Transmission Classification (ASTC) Requirements for more information.
New home warranty
You will be required to submit proof of registration, authorization or letter issued by the Residential Protection Program with your building permit application.
Tip: Visit Alberta New Home Warranty to determine which of these you need.
9.36 Energy efficiency
All backyard suites are required to comply with Section 9.36 of the National Building Code – Alberta Edition.
You will need to provide the following with your building permit application:
- a completed 9.36 project summary form with the compliance path chosen.
- the required RSI calculations for wall, floor and ceiling assemblies.
Refer to Alberta energy code information for houses and small buildings - 9.36 (calgary.ca) for more information.
Airport vicinity protection area (AVPA)
Due to the increased noise impacts, backyard suites are restricted within the airport vicinity protection area (AVPA). For information regarding whether a backyard suite can be built on your property, please refer to the AVPA regulation or Chat with us, or contact the Planning Services Centre at 403-268-5311.
Homeowner trade permits
Homeowner permit eligibility
If you are a homeowner, you may to apply for homeowner's plumbing, electrical and gas fireplace installation permits for new work, including renovations, if:
- You legally own the home - if you have recently purchased the property, it takes some time for the title to transfer to you. We may request a copy of your purchase agreement as proof of ownership.
- You live in the home or intend to reside in it - the home cannot be a rental property.
- You are doing the work yourself - you cannot pull a permit on behalf of the individual or company doing the work. If you are hiring someone to do the work for you, they will need to apply the permit. Visit our hiring a contractor page to review the 5 steps to choosing a contractor.
Other requirements
- Homeowners cannot pull a homeowner's electrical permit and plumbing permit for apartment-style condos. A licensed contractor must install the wiring in these types of residences.
- The electrical and/or plumbing system can only service that home, including a secondary suite contained within it.
- If the home is a semi-detached dwelling, one side of the property is acceptable (the side the owner lives in). This includes any accessory buildings on the same property.
- Row-type, individually owned condominium townhouses are acceptable with authorization from the condo board to the unit owner. The permit would apply only to the unit that the owner lives in. Other units in the complex are not included.
- If the home is owned by a corporation, a director can pull this if they live there and are completing the work themselves. The City of Calgary will request a copy of the corporation documents to show proof of ownership.
Electrical permit
A separate electrical permit is required for:
- All new wiring installations.
- Extending or altering any existing electrical branch circuit wiring.
- As a homeowner, you can:
- Tie into the main panel without physically changing it.
- Add a sub-panel to an existing main service, provided there is an existing main breaker.
- Install electrical wiring for above-ground swimming pools and hot tubs.
Our homeowner electrical wiring guide provides important information to help homeowners who are interested in doing their own work. Other methods of installation not identified in this guide may be acceptable; however, all installations must meet the most current requirements of the National Electrical Code of Canada.
Homeowners are not permitted to:
- Install, alter or modify the main electrical service, including the main panel, main breaker or the meter base.
- Install electrical wiring in permanent, in-ground swimming pools and hot tubs.
- Install or alter solar photovoltaic systems.
A homeowner that is a journeyman electrician may apply for homeowner electrical permits that typical homeowners are not allowed to apply for. In order to qualify, you must:
- Have a journeyman certificate.
- Own the home.
- Must live in the home.
For questions, please contact our technical assistance centre.
Plumbing permit
A separate plumbing permit is required for:
- All new plumbing systems.
- Extending or altering plumbing systems.
- Water and sewer lines in or around the home that are being replaced
Installing or replacing a hot water tank requires a permit in some situations. A permit is required if there are changes to:
- The gas lines located upstream from the water heater shut off valve.
- The venting system (e.g. size and design).
- The type of water heater (e.g. changing from a natural draft water heater to a direct vent water heater).
A plumbing permit is not required to:
- Repair a leak in a water distribution or drainage system.
- Replace existing faucets and fixtures.
- Remove blockage in the drainage.
Our homeowner plumbing guide provides important information to help homeowners who are interested in doing their own work. Other methods of installation not identified in this guide may be acceptable; however, all installations must meet the most current requirements of the National Plumbing Code of Canada.
How to prepare your application
1. Prepare the application details
You will need to know:
- The project address
- Who is applying (the homeowner or someone representing the owner)
- Who will be doing the work (contractor, homeowner)
- What you are applying for
- Project details, including the size and location of the suite
2. Prepare the required documents and plans
Specific drawing and supporting document requirements are listed on the permit checklist. You must provide all the required drawings and documents when you submit your application.
Development permit application requirements
Supporting documents
- A map of the subject property showing the presence or absence of Abandoned Well Locations on GeoDiscover Alberta’s Map Viewer must be included with the form.
- Reference the user guide to finding abandoned wells for more information on how to locate your property.
2. Public tree discolsure statement
- Indicate yes or no if there is a public tree on the City lands within six meters of and/or overhanging your property.
- If there are public trees, show these trees on your site plan and complete the rest of the form.
- If you are not sure if there are public trees, you can use the city’s Tree Map (may not be up to date for your property) or contact 3-1-1 for a development tree inquiry.
3. Site contamination statement
- Indicate yes or no to the questions to your knowledge. If yes, provide the requested additional information when required.
4. Colour photographs
- Photos should be in colour and should reflect the current state of the property
Plans
When preparing your application, you should provide everything listed under each drawing requirement as listed on the checklist.
1. Site plan
- Tip: you can modify a Real Property Report (RPR) to use as your site Plan.
- You must note where the suite amenity space, parking and suite entrance are located
2. Floor plans
- You will need to provide floor plans for each floor of your house (i.e. garage, main floor, second floor, etc)
- Label the purpose of how each room is used (i.e. kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc)
3. Elevations
- An elevation drawing is a 2D view of the exterior walls of the building
- Indicate the locations and dimensions of all windows, doors and exterior stairs
- You will need to provide elevation drawings of each side of the backyard suite as well as the rear elevation of the house.
Building permit application requirements
Supporting documents
1. ABC 2014 Section 9.36 (Energy Efficiency) Project Summary Form
2. Alberta New Home Warranty Program registration, authorization or letter issued by the Residential Protection Program
- Visit New home warranty – Overview | Alberta.ca for details on what you need to provide
- Must be issued by the Alberta New home warranty program. Third Party providers cannot be accepted.
Plans
Sample drawings have been provided to assist you with completing your requirements – you should provide everything listed on the checklist as shown on the sample drawings.
1. Site Plan
- Tip: You can modify a Real Property Report (RPR) to use as your site Plan.
- You must note where the suite amenity space, parking and suite entrance are located
2. Floor Plans
- You will need to provide floor plans for each floor of the backyard suite (i.e. garage, main floor, second floor, etc)
- Label the purpose of how each room is used (i.e. kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, etc)
3. Elevations
- An elevation drawing is a 2D view of the exterior walls of the building
- Indicate the locations and dimensions of all windows, doors and exterior stairs
- You will need to provide elevation drawings of each side of the backyard suite as well as the rear elevation of the house.
4. Manufacturer’s floor joist and roof layouts
5. Beam runs
- Beam loading calculations
6. Engineering documents (when applicable)
- Engineering documents are required for lateral support, tall walls, etc
- Form ‘A’ Manufactured Stone used in Exterior Wall Cladding System completed by a professional engineer when manufactured stone is used
Apply
Tips for a smooth application process
Before you apply
Download the checklist and check each application requirement as you prepare to submit your application. Items listed on the checklist are the minimum requirements. We might need more information after we review your application.
Provide all required documents on the checklist, including drawings, supporting material, and any additional forms. If you are not sure if something is required, contact the Planning Services Centre.
Use sample drawings to review what you need to include on your plans
Double check your documents are completed and make sure you have all required items on your plans before you upload them
After you apply
The Planning Services Centre may contact you for more information required for your application. Follow-up on requests for more information as quickly as possible.
Use the Job Access Code (JAC) to check status updates for your application on calgary.ca/vista
- You’ll get a JAC by e-mail after you’ve submitted your application. If you did not receive a JAC number, contact the Planning Services Centre.
- Checking your application’s status using your JAC will provide you with timely updates about the status of your application
What is a complete application?
A complete application means that you have provided all the necessary requirements for our teams to complete their reviews. You should provide everything listed on the Complete Application Requirement List and the Guide to a Complete Application (if applicable), including plans, supporting documents and payment.
An application for a permit may be refused if, within ninety (90) days from the date of receipt, if adequate information and documentation is not supplied as requested by the Safety Codes Officer. Should a permit be considered for refusal, the applicant will be given notification in writing and 30 days to resubmit the missing information. For more information, please review Building advisory A19-002 building permit complete application.
Apply online
To apply online, you need a myID account. Create a myID account..
Apply in-person
Complete the application form.
Once you have gathered all required documents, you can apply for your permit in person by visiting the Planning Services Centre.
After you apply
How to check the status of your permit
After you submit your application online, you will get a confirmation email with a Job Access Code (JAC).
To track your application and check its status, enter your Job Access Code in Vista.
If you need help or have questions, contact our Planning Services Centre.
What Inspections do you need?
Secondary suites
Two inspections are required for secondary suites.
Framing (rough-in) inspection requirements
- Install and complete any structural changes.
- Install and complete all the wall and ceiling framing.
- Install proposed windows and exterior doors.
- Install and complete any HVAC changes.
- Rough in, install and complete all plumbing and electrical components that are required under associated permits.
- Have requested documentation on site.
- Do not install insulation, vapour barrier or drywall over any work that requires inspection prior to concealing.
Final inspection requirement
The construction should be completed, and the suite should be ready for occupancy.
Garages (if backyard suite is on top of the garge)
Framing (rough-in) inspection requirements:
- The garage must be at lock-up stage, where all doors and windows are properly installed, with the building secure and the site safe.
- Garages can be built into the side yard, close to the property line. Fire rating standards must be completed, with fire-rated materials installed.
- The garage inspection can occur when the project is complete, or at the framing stage when doors and windows are installed.
- Rough-in, install and complete all electrical components that are required under associated permits.
Electrical trade permits
The following tasks must be completed before booking an inspection. Please note it is not necessary to have drywall installed for a final inspection.
Please review the green service label policy to determine if you require a green service label (sticker).
Rough-in requirements
- Have all wiring and interior of outlet boxes readily visible.
- Remove vapour barrier and insulation where it’s covering any wiring. The exception is for wiring fished into walls.
- All wiring must be supported.
- Remove outer sheath of wiring and terminate all wiring into outlet boxes and fixtures.
- Ensure all splices are made and all grounding is complete in outlet boxes and fixtures.
- Do not secure devices (plugs, switches) to outlet boxes. Leave all wiring and terminations visible.
- Cables may be terminated into the panelboard, but wires should not be on breakers.
- Never energize exposed wiring.
- Rough and underground inspections should be combined.
- Expose the trench on at least one end to confirm depth.
- Access must be provided to all areas where electrical work has been completed.
- For secondary suites, use the secondary suite electrical load calculation sheet to ensure your current electrical service is adequate. When complete, please email the form to us. If the main electrical service must be increased from 60 amps, 100 amps, or 200 - amp service, please have your Contractor contact ENMAX.
Final requirements
- Do not have any exposed live wiring.
- Install all devices, receptacles and light fixtures.
- Any open outlet boxes or unfinished wiring must be properly secured and installed in a junction box with an approved splice cap and a junction box cover.
- Install, terminate and energize all breakers, if safe to do so.
- Complete the panelboard breaker directory, all breakers must be labeled correctly.
- Access must be provided to all areas where electrical work has been completed.
For more information, review the homeowner electrical wiring guide.
Plumbing trade permits
What you need to complete before you call for each plumbing inspection:
Rough-in inspection
- Install and complete all plumbing drainage and venting.
- Install and connect water lines to the rest of the water distribution system.
- Properly support all drains, vents, and water lines.
- Install the bathtub/shower valve.
Final inspection
- Install and ensure all fixtures and equipment are ready for use.
- Ensure the bathtub and shower water temperature does not exceed 49 degrees Celsius.
- Seal all piping designed for future fixtures with an approved plug or cap.
- Provide a shut off valve for all toilets.
HVAC / Mechanical trade permits
Following an inspection, The City’s safety codes officer (SCO) may identify corrective action to comply with the National Building Code (Alberta Edition). In place of a re-inspection, the SCO may provide an option to submit a verification of compliance (VOC).
How do you book your inspections?
Visit building inspections for information on how to book, cancel or reschedule an inspection, permit expiry and the requirements for each inspection type.
Homeowners
Make changes to your permit
Suites FAQs
Suite registry FAQ
What is the secondary suite registry?
The secondary suite registry is an online, searchable list identifying legal and safe secondary suites in Calgary. These suites have been registered and inspected to meet Alberta’s safety code requirements. View the suite registry bylaw and go to secondarysuites.calgary.ca to view the registry.
What is the goal of the registry?
The registry aims to build awareness with Calgarians about the importance of public safety, and the safety features of a legal secondary suite. Suites that have been inspected by The City and meet the requirements under Alberta’s safety codes provide the necessary measures to help protect lives.
What are the advantages of the registry and sticker for owners?
Registered secondary suites are listed on The City’s website and receive a numbered sticker that can be posted at the main entrance of the suite. Owners can use the registry and sticker as a means to promote their suite to current and future residents.
Is there a cost to be on the registry?
Currently there is no cost for the Registry as the fees have been waived through the Secondary Suites Amnesty Program until December 31, 2026.
How do I get a secondary suite sticker for my suite?
Please note it will take two to three weeks after the final inspection to receive your sticker in the mail.
Where do I place the sticker on my property?
We recommend placing the stickers on the entry point of the suite. This informs current and future residents that suite is part of The City’s registry program.
If the property is sold, does the registry transfer to the new owner?
Yes. The registry is connected to the address containing the legal and safe secondary suite.
How long is the sticker valid for?
There is no expiry date.
Can I make modifications to my secondary suite after the building permit is approved?
Any changes to your secondary suite could require additional permits and inspections. To ensure modifications meet the requirements of Alberta’s safety codes and do not alter the safety features of your suite, contact The City’s Planning Services Centre at 403-268-5311 for assistance.
What penalties might I face for owning an unsafe suite?
Safety is always top priority for The City. Our inspectors work collaboratively with secondary suite owners, and we determine appropriate timelines to complete work. However, if owners of illegal suites do not comply with minimum safety standards, we may take legal action.
Can I be removed from the registry?
The City investigates all complaints, should your secondary suite be found to no longer comply with Alberta’s safety codes, your suite will be removed from the registry.
Suite addressing FAQ
The City of Calgary requires the assignment of a separate address for secondary suites to supplement the basic address of the main dwelling. The identifier for the secondary suite may be alphabetical or numeric. Suite numbers are shown at the start of the address for the following purposes:
Emergency response and wayfinding
If an emergency event occurs in the secondary suite, every second counts and a precise location will assist the emergency responders to locate the suite.
Current and future utility hookups
Utility hookups require the exact suite address where the utilities will be hooked up and for the utility bill to be sent.
Applications for future business licences
A requirement of a business licence is to have the exact suite address to where the business will be operating. Although there might not be a business operating out of the secondary suite at this time, an address will still be created to enable a business to be licenced at the suite when needed.
Applications for future short-term rentals
Although the secondary suite might not be used as a short-term rental at this time, a new address will still be created to enable a suite to be licenced for a short-term rental when needed. The licence requires the exact suite address and not the main dwelling address.
Canada Post and other mail delivery services
Although not a City of Calgary requirement, having a separate address for the secondary suite will assist in the delivery of mail to the correct dwelling unit.
Suite density FAQ
What is the difference between a secondary or backyard suite and a dwelling unit?
A dwelling unit is the primary home for the property. Dwelling units come in many forms like an apartment, single-detached house, semi-detached house or rowhouse.
Suites are spaces used as separate living quarters from the primary home on a property. They can take form as a secondary suite or a backyard suite.
Secondary suites are located within the primary home. They are typically located in the basement but may also be located on the main or upper floors or above an attached garage.
Backyard suites are physically separated from the home and located in the property’s backyard. They are typically built on top of a detached garage but can also be on the ground floor attached to a detached garage or in an independent structure.
A suite must be approved with a primary home. They are not separate dwelling units, meaning these suites can’t be subdivided or sold separately from the primary home.
Will my property tax increase with the development of a secondary suite or backyard suite?
Property tax is calculated and billed annually using the property’s assessed value, as found on your property assessment notice, and the Council-approved property tax rate. Home improvement projects (i.e. basement development) or adding livable space to your home may increase your property taxes. If you have questions about property tax, contact 311.
What are the parking requirements for suites?
Under the current Land Use Bylaw, suites require a minimum of one motor vehicle parking stall. This requirement is reduced in some land use districts where certain conditions are met, like proximity to transit or where the main dwelling has two or more parking stalls. For more information specific to your parcel, please call the Planning Services Centre at 403-268-5311.
How does the change of the base land use from R-C1 to R-CG affect secondary suites?
Properties that do not have a rowhouse or a townhouse may now have both a backyard suite and a secondary suite. Allowing Calgarians to build more housing on their property helps our city adapt to change. It also provides a variety of housing options. For more information on the zoning changes, please visit calgary.ca/rezoning.
Suite services FAQ
Does my secondary suite get its own blue, black and green carts?
- Any residential dwelling which currently receives City residential blue, black and green cart service and has a secondary suite can add additional carts to ensure there is adequate cart capacity to sort your household waste properly.
- More information on who qualifies for additional carts and how to request them please visit this page.
Planning Services Centre
Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (MT)
Live chat:
calgary.ca/livechat
Call:
403-268-5311
In person:
Planning Services Centre,
3rd floor, Municipal building
800 Macleod Trail SE
Book an eAppointment for in person services at appointment.calgary.ca
Legal and safe suite registry
Check the Secondary Suite Registry to find or verify a legal suite in Calgary.
Registry suites include all necessary permits and have been inspected to meet Alberta's Safety Code requirements. The registry is continually updated as we approve suites.
If an operating suite does not appear on the registry, you can contact Customer support to submit a complaint.
Click before you dig
Always contact Utility Safety Partners before you dig. Submit a locate request online or call 1-800-242-3447 for more information.